Nursing Grads Honored At Pinning Today

May 16, 2008

In one of OBU's unique academic traditions, 32 senior nursing students will receive their OBU nursing pins at the School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony Friday afternoon.

The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in Potter Auditorium of Raley Chapel. Dressed in their white nursing uniforms, the seniors will be recognized for completion of their bachelor of science degrees. The students also will participate in OBU's Spring Commencement on Saturday morning, May 17.

Gerald Milligan, a retired Southern Baptist missionary who served in medical and education mission posts for more than 31 years, will deliver the Pinning Address. Jasmin Johnson, OBU assistant professor of nursing, will deliver the charge to the students.

The pinning ceremony celebrates the transition from the role of student to the role of nurse, according to Dr. Lana Bolhouse, dean of the School of Nursing. The pin, designed by the nursing program's first graduating class in 1956, features a white cross in the center and is unique to OBU graduates. Bolhouse will present the distinctive pin to each graduating student. Each senior also will be presented a rose by Cindy Reiger, assistant professor of nursing.

Milligan is project director for The Salt and Light Partnership, a multi-agency evangelical effort aimed at international unreached people groups. He previously taught nursing and worked in hospitals in Egypt, Jordan, the Gaza Strip, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.